My what has become annual Sub9 Death March event was this week. As last year I planned on riding my bike the 70 miles to HNF, (Hoosier National Forest), ride the event, but unlike last year I panned riding the 70 miles back home on Sunday.
http://www.sub9deathmarch.com/
Good news for this year was the day of the event we were expecting 55 degree spring like sunny conditions. The bad news is Friday, the day I rode down, was 45 degree constant rain, all day, all day.
1st pit stop at about mile 7. So far the weather channel was correct, constant rain.
My second pit stop was at Starbucks in Martinsville. This was at mile 30ish and it never quit raining. I had full rain gear but was dripping wet so I decided to ride my bike through the drive through so I wouldn't destroy the inside of the place. The attendant was a little surprised. I got my meal and sat at the patio like it was sunny and 70 out.
Here is a picture of Lake Monroe. There was dense fog covering the lake and bridge. Because the fog made visibility so poor I was nervous riding over the lake, luckily no car passed. This is a picture from the south side of the lake.
When I finally made it to the Horseman's camp there was a structure when you first cross the bridge over Hunters Creek. It just so happened to have a porch so I headed straight to it. As the evening wore on, the rain actually picking up intensity, I decided to stay where I was. Got out of my wet clothes and laid out my sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and bivy.
Everything was fine until about midnight when I heard footsteps on the porch, I looked up and a guy almost walked over me so I yelled out, we kind of startled each other. Turns out that the porch I was under was part of a cabin that was rented and the occupier showed up to get some sleep. I got up and apologized and asked him if he wanted me to leave to which he said I could stay. A big thanks to him, it would have been awful to pack everything up and head back out into the rain. There were horse stalls that 1st came to mind but luckily I was able to stay where I was.
Saturday morning was a little damp but the rain did stop and eventually we saw the sun, which after 6 hours of riding in the rain the previous day seeing the sun really brightened my spirits.
We already knew the mandatory checkpoints and with the remaining checkpoints given we were off. Here is a shot at the SAG. Yes beer at the SAG!
Always an impressive view from the fire tower.
Another checkpoint finished.
You can see the break in the clouds.
This is a picture from the top of the climb on 750. Man I was sucking wind up this soft mushy climb.
Hanner checkpoint complete.
We were always down for a little pavement. At least your tires didn't sink in it.
Absolutely beautiful.
We finished at around 3-3:30pm, don't really recall. I haven't even checked what place we finished. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to ride in this beautiful place and we're already talking about next year.
Saturday night was an amazing night to camp. Weather was chilly buy not too bad. I heard owls and coyotes singing all night.
The next morning was cold, but the sun was on its way up. I packed up my tent and headed out. My plan was to stop at the Martinsville Starbucks for breakfast and coffee, a hilly 40ish mile ride. Once I hit the road the sun came up and I started feeling pretty well. It was a terrific day to ride.
Ahhh the sun!
The lake looked a lot more enticing on Sunday.
Now in Morgan Monroe Forest. A couple more miles and I'll be in Martinsville then about 30 miles until I get home.
Both my bike and I were tired. My chain and rear brake pads need replaced and my rear tire needs trued, but it was worth it. Another great year.
By bike: 156miles
By feet: 0
